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Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Cottage Life - Welcoming March

March has arrived after February's major mood swing. I snapped this photo yesterday of a little boy hitchhiking a ride on his dad's shoulders during a snowstorm.

After several inches of snow fell, the temperatures rose and the melting commenced once more.This is my garden this morning, which is pretty much the way it looked before two snowstorms passed through the last two days of February.

I noticed a couple of days ago that crocuses and daffodils are peeking through the snow, and that makes me happy.My decluttering adventure continues with periodic breaks for rug making and normal life activities, like grocery shopping and running errands.Here's my rug so far.

I really want to get it finished and off the loom so I can start on some collages for the Spring Fling 2017 I'm organizing. It will take place on April 8. This is an artisan/craft fair, similar to the Holiday Bazaar I participated in last December. Since there are no spring events like this in our community, I decided to start one. Fortunately, I've received lots of support from others who have planned similar affairs, and their shared experience is a big help.As I mentioned, I have managed to get more decluttering done. I went through all my magazines and gave away about 30 to friends who will enjoy them and pass them along. I saved only a few of my favorites, which are kept by my chair in the sitting room.

Next on my list is papers, a suspected time-consuming chore. I skipped over that and went to my makeup bag, which I knew would be an altogether easier, albeit much needed, task.I dumped out everything in the bag.

Honestly, I was kind of shocked at what I found in there. Just keeping it real here, but there were old broken compacts and stray mirrors, lots of makeup I purchased years ago and didn't like, brushes I never use, and even an old rubber band (good grief!).After sorting through it all I came to realize I have 7 makeup essentials.

That's it!I don't need all that other paraphenalia. These are products that work for me and I can let go of all that other stuff knowing that from here on out I'll use up what I already have, and I'll buy only what I need, when I need it.This is what I discarded.

Everything else fits into a clear bag my dentist gave me at my last visit. (I like that I can see what's inside.)

This fits easily into our bathroom cabinet and when packing for a trip I can just throw it into my carrying bag. Easy peasy. I really believe I kept all that other makeup out of guilt; feeling if I had made the purchase, I needed to hold on to it. That's just silly. I've learned from my mistakes and I can move on knowing I'll make wiser decisions going forward.Oh, I did find in my before pile a nail file and comb that will go to homes of their own within our cottage. This is part of organizing like items in one place.

I am feeling so good about even the smallest decluttering I accomplish. Somehow it's energizing and it inspires me to do more. It's actually a joyful undertaking.

Beautiful snow Nancy,As for decluttering, I have been doing so myself. I am on a get rid of DVDs that are not may few favorites and I will have just a few romantic and Nicholas Sparks romance saved for sick days in bed and wanting soft comfort. Way to much clutter gathers up in magazines as well, so I have donated to friends stacks of all my magazines but a very few that truly inspire a soulful touching of my heart.

Love that you have inspired my day to get going and clean out the junk inside and out getting ready for spring and summer.

Exactly, Dore. I'm finding I need less and less to be happy, and only want things that truly spark joy. :) Your comment about the DVD's makes me think about all the CD's I have. I could so downsize in that area! xo

early last month i did an initial toss of makeup and am now finding that i'm using even less than what i kept after the toss. so. this month you've inspired me to do another toss, keeping that which truly works and i actually use. tossing the rest.

i've done the magazines .. and like dore from burlap luxe, am needing to go through dvd's. i did a quick sifting of titles and came away with more than a few, wondering why i ever wanted them in my collection in the first place!

Snow. Ugh. We're supposed to have some on Friday. Meanwhile there was a thunderstorm today. Moody weather is right. I have teenage girls and their make up collections are...abundant. I will say that they are very organized though. Of course, we had to buy things to contain it all. I'm like you. One small bag in my vanity drawer with a few essentials. I also had tons of items I was too guilty to get rid of, but after five years, they weren't good anyway, I am sure. It feels good to clean up and clean out. :) Ps- I hope you get some spring sooner than later!

you're inspiring to clear out the old make-up that doesn't function for you. I have been thinking about your statement that we keep things out of guilt. Bingo! I'm going to pitch stuff by remembering that statement.

Energizing is a great word for what it can feel like when sorting out, down sizing, decluttering. Precisely what I feel . . . a cleansing of sorts . . . Amazing how many items can accumulate in the strangest places. Even in a makeup bag. The rug weaving looks wonderful. I love the refreshing colors and pattern.. I can imagine it is quite pleasant to work on the weaving in the midst of your decluttering goal. I like your community artisan plans, sounds like it will be received with enthusiasm. And the snow, then melt, then snow, then melt again routine is happening here too. With spring bulbs opening and showing themselves in the midst. Springtime is certainly trying to show its presence.

I'm loving your decluttering posts, Nancy. They are inspirational. I say that and yet, as I unpacked the last 4 boxes of my dishes today, washed and put them in cupboards, not a single dish did I put aside for a yard sale or whatever. I did give away so many when we moved last April and I do think about in a year or two trying to winnow down more until I get to what I use all the time. But I'm not quite there yet. Timing is everything, right?

I'm loving your decluttering posts, Nancy. They are inspirational. I say that and yet, as I unpacked the last 4 boxes of my dishes today, washed and put them in cupboards, not a single dish did I put aside for a yard sale or whatever. I did give away so many when we moved last April and I do think about in a year or two trying to winnow down more until I get to what I use all the time. But I'm not quite there yet. Timing is everything, right?

You are decluttering quite a bit. I bet that feels so great. We had tornados and thunderstorms in Illinois yesterday and today we are getting snow. This weather is so crazy! Have a great rest of the week Nancy.Kris

The rug you are weaving is going to be a work of art, Nancy! How ambitious of you to organize an art fair. I used to host boutiques in my home back in my painting days, and they're a lot of work, but so much fun, too. It's a great way to meet fellow artisans.

I recycle my paperback books to our library and my magazines to a friend with a lake cabin. They make for great reading on a rainy weekend at the lake.

I need to tackle my make-up drawer. I probably have stuff from a decade ago!

Our March came in like a lamb, so I suppose that means snow at the end of the month. How wonderful to see your flowers poking through the snow already!

You've done it again! You inspired me to sort through my makeup again - and you gave me the idea my brain has been searching for. In the past I've kept skincare and makeup supplies in our bathroom, in the big trailer and in my little vintage trailer so they would be handy wherever I go. Maybe my dentist will give me a little bag like yours - or I'll have to make one! Your decluttering continues to inspire me. I have so much to do now that I'm also dealing with my dear mother's cute, little house filled with treasures.~Adrienne~

I like the colors of your rug. Where will this one be used? I have never worn a lot of make up but I realized what I have is old and I don't wear any make up so why am I hanging on to it. I sorted some magazines the other day but still have more to go through. I also need to do a deep purge of books, they are my weakness. I do not want to even think about paper. Ugh. I have a box sitting in the living room I intended to go through while watching TV a week ago. It is still there. Good luck in your next decluttering project. Hugs. Debbe

Neat. I really like the colors you are using in your rug. Ha... avoid papers... makeup bag is easier.... I agree. You are really making progress. It is also exciting that the bulbs are coming up. Today my daughter and I filled a bag with clothes to donate as well as a few items like mugs that are not her style anymore. It's not easy to get rid of clutter. xoxo Su

Your rug is GORGEOUS!!! Love the color combination. Did you thank your old makeup for it's good service to you before you dumped it? The further into the book I get the more insane this woman sounds with all her thanking but still, it is helpful and I will keep reading :-)

Whau, making your own rug is pretty impressive. I am pretty good about not buying a lot of make up products. I used to get more years ago but we have lived in tiny rural towns that I usually ask myself why to use make up at all. So a natural country lady it is. Thanks for sharing Nancy!

Hi Nancy,I had to chuckle. I cleaned out my make up bag in February. ;-) I did the same as you. I also think I held on to the stuff for the same reason.

I have exciting news. In January, I applied to take the UW Madison Master Gardener Course. I have been accepted. I start class on Tuesday.I am excited and nervous at the same time. It is been awhile since I have been to school. ;-)I will be adjusting my blog schedule until I get use to going back to school.In case you do not hear from me, know that I will return and your blog friendship is special to me.

Well, you got a lot of snow this winter, glad to see it moving along! We have more snow supposed to come in... but I look forward to spring, it must surely come, the days are getting longer! Your loom is amazing, what a joy it must be to craft such a beautiful rug! And I need to organize my bathroom drawers too. You have inspired me!

This winter has certainly kept us all guessing with the temperatures going up and down on a regular basis. You are a master declutterer, Nancy! I agree that cleaning out the smallest of places gives such a feeling of accomplishment.Mary Alice

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Welcome to A Joyful Cottage

For as long as I can remember I've loved cottages. These cozy places, with abundant flowers and sunshine, give me a sense of peace and contentment. Walking through the front door of a cottage one sees simple, timeless decor: fresh cut flowers in unexpected containers, vintage fabrics, painted furniture and well-worn books. This isn't a home where everything matches and that makes the rooms even more enchanting. They're decidedly and lovingly filled with whatever things bring joy to the inhabitants. Come with me and explore the beauty and simplicity of a cottage life, no matter where you live.

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